Integrative Healing Magazine Spring 2019 Digital Edition by Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine

Integrative Healing a wholistic approach to healing and spirituality

Magazine

Spring 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 1

Featured

Mindful Eating

Starting the Journey Compassionate Care Clinics of America

Joseph Mazza Dr. Monika Juszczyk

Workplace

Stress The Natural Alternatives

First Edition A quarterly and complimentary magazine for the Greater Pittsburgh region!

Table of Contents Spring 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 1

From the Publisher Upcoming Events Features Integrative Medicine

The Third School of Thought O2 Derm Relief Healing Gel Community Spotlight Alpine Springs Recovery Center

Mental Wellness

A Naturopathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Approach to Dealing with Workplace Stress

Mindful Eating

Improve Your Mental Health Cannabis Medical Cannabis: The Next Wave Starting the Journey Holistic Pet Benefits of Integrative Veterinary Medicine Science of Spirituality The Tesla Principle Edgar Cayce on Divine Energy

Advertiser Locator Map

2 3

4 5

6 8

ALPINE SPRINGS RECOVERY CENTER

9 10 12 14

18 20

9 MINDFUL EATING

IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

12 STARTING THE JOURNEY

COMPASSIONATE CLINICS OF AMERICA

20 EDGAR CAYCE ON DEVINE ENERGY SPRING 2019

From theFrom Publisher the Publisher INTEGRATIVE HEALING MAGAZINE

Welcome to Integrative Healing Magazine Spring 2019, Volume 1 Issue 1

Welcome to our Inaugural issue of Integrative Healing magazine! Integrative Healing is an educational and community Magazine, focusing on a wholistic approach to health, wellness and spirituality. It is published quarterly and free to our readers. Our initial circulation will be 2,500 in print in over 250 locations, and tens of thousands of targeted digital edition impressions throughout social media and internet, with our sophisticated digital marketing. Our local sister publication, Pittsburgh PetConnections magazine, is in its 7th year! Did you know? We are also a full-service specialized media company, providing services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Our integrative multi-media marketing and advertising approach across multiple platforms with print, digital marketing and trade shows, has proven very successful in helping business with their many challenges. Our ground-floor advertising opportunities for Integrative Healing magazine include customized packages for any budget that can include basic business listings, professional profiles, podcasts, print/ digital issue advertisements (includes print, digital edition, listing in basic listing page AND advertiser map page, social media posts, promotion at events), trade show exhibiting/sponsorship opportunities. Contact us today for a marketing consultation to see how we may help you grow your business!

Integrative Healing Magazine

In the business of helping local business and organizations, we will highlight and support local community organizations, businesses, events and resources. Our goal is to raise awareness and provide educational information on healthy living, holistic, integrative medicine, wellness, spirituality, events, pets, directories, and more as we grow. We welcome and thank our sponsors, Compassionate Clinics of America, Dispense Magazine, Beaver Animal Clinic, Healthy Pet Products, VCA Northview Animal Hospital Speciality Referral Center , Animal Healing Now, Ease Animal Massage, Buzzy Photography, and O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel! Thank you for picking up this copy of Integrative Healing. Wishing you all love and peace this spring season! To subscribe to your own personal copy of Integrative Healing magazine, please contact us below. Warmly,

Carla Mader Publisher Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Integrative Healing Magazine Please submit any correspondence to: integrativehealingmag@gmail.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: alllifemedia.com Follow and “Like” us on Facebook! facebook.com/Integrativehealingmagazine Founder and CEO of All Life Media, LLC, Integrative Healing, and Pittsburgh PetConnections magazine, Carla has over 7 successful years of publishing experience. She has 25 years of experience as a veterinary specialty technician and in veterinary hospital administration. In 2014 she was named one of First Commonwealth Bank’s Women of the Year.

ADVERTSING SALES Robin Reinfeld rrcd@aol.com 412-780-2254

PUBLICATON STAFF Managing Editor: Carla Mader Art Director: Nicole Mayer Photography: Buzzy Photography Kjones photography

WRITERS April Minech Diana Smith PODCAST HOST Diana Smith

COVER PHOTO

Joe Mazza & Dr. Monika from Compassionate Clinics of America

Upcoming Events

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Brunch for a Cause Ticket sales will help the Tree Pittsburgh to plant and care for trees across Allegheny County. Sunday, May 12, 2019, 11:00 AM Purchase tickets online through Eventbrite.

Fit & Healthy with Sesame Street

Join WQED for a puppet show, puppet making, bike rodeo, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of take home fun with Sesame Street. Saturday, May 11, 2019, 10:00 AM

Purchase tickets online through Eventbrite.

Thursday, June 20, 2019, 10:00 AM Purchase tickets online through Eventbrite.

AromaTouch Training - Pittsburgh

The AromaTouch Technique is a simple yet powerful way to provide every individual with an essential oil experience.

Sunday, April 28, 2019, 9:00 AM

Purchase tickets online through Eventbrite. SPRING 2019

Integrative Medicine

The Third School of Thought

Integrative medicine, the shift has occurred. Are you on the bandwagon?

ntegrative doctors are seeing the whole person and external environmental factors, as well as nutrition, as having a major impact and central role in health. Functional medicine and naturopathic doctors and other health care professionals such as chiropractors and dentists are practicing in increasing numbers. Health insurance companies are covering more cooperative therapies, including chiropractic, massage and even acupuncture, as the demand for healthy alternatives grows. Hospital systems are also embracing the new wave of holistic care with their own centers, such as the UPM Center for Integrative Medicine and Allegheny Health Network Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Our Health care system in the US has been very slow to accept anything other than evidence-based medicine, a topic in and of itself, which is for another discussion. Integrative medicine, as defined by the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM) and the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, is “the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.” The key words here are whole and all. Food and nutritional supplements are starting to be recognized in the US as medicine and supporting the immune system. Today’s oncologists are even utilizing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer with Immunotherapy. Also, no matter what the old opinions are, the legalization of medical marijuana has opened pathways to research and remarkable treatments for many conditions from Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, to aiding in recovery for opioid addiction. DARE has denounced Marijuana as a gateway drug. Hemp is making a comeback to provide things like fiber and food and will become a huge industry again. We are still struggling with our for-profit health care system, which is at a breaking point. Drug companies lobby for quicker FDA approval on drugs, then launch clever advertising campaigns and offer major perks to prescribing physicians for unbelievable profits and thrive despite consequences of side effects. In the case of vaccines, it is law that manufacturers cannot be sued for adverse reactions or death, but victims are limited to certain established compensation. Despite the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, there are still many underinsured and uninsured. People in the US are paying more attention to what they want in their health care experience, and what may work best for them. Perhaps, this is on an unconscious intuitive level.

Integrative Healing Magazine

by Carla Mader Publisher, Integrative Healing Magazine The two schools of thought, conventional and holistic, are becoming three – with an integrated approach with many conventionally trained doctors, seeing benefits of whole, or holistic care as a sensible approach.

People are also more aware of environmental stressors and exposure to toxins and heavy metals, like EMF waves, amalgam dental fillings, GMO foods, pesticides, etc. Whole healthy food stores are popping up everywhere, as people are really paying attention to their diets. Sugar, in all its commercially prepared forms, is really an antagonistic substance for which we do not require supplementation to live! So, recommendations in the food charts for mostly carbohydrates and then government subsidization of sugar has created an obesity epidemic. Television and magazine advertisements for new diabetic drugs to regulate blood sugar are non-stop. Go individualized ketogenic diets! We need a revolution in health with people empowered by knowledge, as something has gone terribly wrong. Milk is another example, being marketed as necessary and healthy and we know that is not the case for everyone. Casein, lactose and added sugar are not good for everyone, and people cringe when you mention that it is drinking of the mammary secretions of another species! Also, awareness on how cruel the dairy industry is to cows is increasing. Cows must be pregnant, and their calves are taken shortly after birth, and then confining and slaughtering them for veal, is all needless, despite claims of humane treatment. Poor diet leads to dis-ease and the focus of modern conventional medicine has been on treating symptoms with drugs, versus building natural immunity and thus eliminating the need for drugs with hefty side effects. Armed with the power of knowledge, people are focusing on a holistic lifestyle and Awareness of preventive care rather than conventional options of treating symptoms, vaccines and medication side effects, is increasing among Americans. The drug companies can and do charge astronomical prices for their products, which all carry ridiculous amount of side effects and even death. They do not make money from healthy people. I won’t get into conspiracy theories about the few elites, but we must wonder why we legislate to benefit a few, and the harm being done to the masses – We the People, and the overall modern human condition. So, what does all this mean? All these factors, nutrition and proper diet, mental wellness and stress management, affect quality of life. Cooperative therapies such as acupuncture, light, salt and aromatherapies, yoga, meditation, mindful eating, to name a few, are all starting to be commercialized as they are mainstreaming. Integrative medicine, the shift has occurred. Are you on the bandwagon?

O2 Derm™ Relief Healing Gel How I Use it in My Practice

By Richard Finn, BA, LMT, CMTPT, MCSTT Hands on Help for Your Pain

was sitting in my office minding my own business when a good friend walked in. Ron is a guy that when he speaks – I listen. We had been meeting for years at breakfast to discuss business stuff and how to market. Now he was marketing a new product and I listened.

He described a new oxygenated gel that he said was good for skin. He told me later that I looked at him like he was just plain nuts. I’m sure that I did. I care about pain – not skin! I agreed to try the product – after all – it was Ron and he had asked (Ron doesn’t make mistakes!). I still was not ready for what came next. I approached a friend who had become a patient and asked her if I could but this along her upper back over the thoracic spine. She was willing. I rubbed only over the spinous processes. Her eyes got really big. She looked at me and said, “I’m breathing better!” I certainly did not expect a reaction like that from a person with a pretty nasty spinal stenosis in the area. I tried really hard to control the expression on my face. I explained, in a very professional manner, that I wanted her husband to apply it daily over just that area for a month and to return and let me know how it went. She did return and gave a much fuller report that I had asked for. Her body temperature went from 95 up to 97 degrees. Her fibromyalgia pain was gone. Her breathing had improved and if she had to cough it didn’t make her cry anymore! I certainly was not expecting that. I started to experiment. I started with muscles. I’m a Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist – it’s what I do. I tested muscle length. I then applied the gel. Then I retested. Almost without fail the application of the gel was followed by an increase in muscle length. That was pretty impressive since I didn’t even press a trigger point. What would happen if I applied it systematically? I found out that when I used it instead of compression in my pelvic stabilization protocol that it did the same thing that I usually did with my hands. That was impressive. I then wondered if it might possibly have an effect neurologically. That was easy to do. I asked a student if I could do an experiment. She complied. I tested the ROM of all of the muscles in the upper extremity. Then I applied the gel to the lower cervical area from C5 – T1. I retested. Every motion improved as if I had applied it to each muscle! At this point I decided that I really needed to make a video for the company so that others could see what I was doing and how to apply the gel. As I drove to the shoot I remembered that I had not yet tried it on acupuncture points. A friend of mine has a massage studio; as it was on the way I pulled in. Once inside I asked if I could conduct a therapy experiment. A patient with some back pain volunteered. I tested her ROM for the QL and the Psoas. I then applied the gel to the points on the toes that corresponded to the low back. Her pain was gone and both muscles had improved ROM with less than a minute! I now had something else to include in my photo shoot. I was interviewed by Corrina Rachel, holistic health coach associated with popular wellness channel PsycheTruth. She is also known for her ASMR videos on the secondary channel ASMR Massage Psychetruth.

My experience is that the muscles seem to relax faster and become more flexible. My clients often tell me that they have more pain relief. The primary effect of the gel is to put oxygen into the skin. I believe the oxygen has a positive effect on the nerves in the skin. I have rubbed gel into the back and into painful muscles and the clients have reported these results.

Other Effects of the Gel

The inventor of the gel loaned me a thermography camera. I wanted to see if the gel had an effect on inflammation. Here is what I found in the first shoulder that I used the camera on: In the photos below, the white area is inflammed. In the first picture the temerature is 92.9. It is taken at 10:51. The second picture was take about a minute later after the application of the gel. The temperature dropped to 89.5 in less than a minute. This is without any intervening bodywork. This may be a part of the explanation for why the changes in pain and ROM are so immediate. In the second set we have a person with chest pain. The beginning temperature is 94.5 and we can see the inflammation. The second picture was taken about 9 minutes later. There was no intervening treatment. It was observed that inflammation decreased and temperature was reduced by 7.7 degrees, demonstrating that the inflammation is gone for a period of time. This allows the performance of self-care stretches and routines that may have been less effective without the application of the gel.

How to Apply the Gel

People are always asking me how to get the best results using ~con’t on page 7 SPRING 2019

Community Spotlight

Alpine Springs Recovery Center

by April Minech

“In my 32 years of experience, it comes down to this: you don’t like what you’re thinking, you don’t like what you’re feeling so you resort to drugs and alcohol. So, we’re going to teach you how to not do that.” - Daniel Reed

aniel Reed (BA,CADC,ICADC) the former Clinical Director and current Compliance and Risk Management Director at Alpine Springs, has worked in treatment programs all over the United States but says the rustic grounds of Alpine Springs and the desire to do things better was the draw for him. “Other places are heavy on treatment, because you need to have that,” he explains. “But that can be pretty boring, and they don’t offer all of the things you need for recovery. We wanted to do something different, more holistic and treat a client’s mind, body and spirit.” The center’s natural setting less than a mile from lake Pymatuning lends itself to many unique options to offer ways of support. Broken down, healing of the mind includes traditional group sessions and private sessions with a counselor that all programs offer and includes what’s known as cognitive behavioral therapy and rational emotive therapy. This type of treatment is the foundation of programs everywhere across the country; where Alpine Springs differs is what’s offered next. For example, to focus on healing the body, they have smoothies for nutrients, meditation, physical instruction for tai chi as well as yoga, and sensory treatments of aromatherapy. They have a physical trainer that works with clients at a local gym once a week just a few miles away. “We take clients out into the local town, in Linesville, which is right by the lake. They have opportunities to go fishing, to the beach and hiking on the many trails in the area and just get them out,” says Reed. He mentions that they also offered hydrotherapy for a while, but it didn’t catch on, so they are updating the space to a music room. Dan describes how they are innovative with showing clients better options for daily life: “Our kitchen is run by someone who has lots of experience in the restaurants, so while we do provide large scale meals, they lean towards healthier options that you wouldn’t normally find at other places. There’s even a garden outback tended by the clients and the vegetables grown are incorporated into their meals.” Rather than just stopping at the treatment portion of recovery, which involves talking all day and what Dan explains as “having emotions and stress and different things that are bubbling up within you, and nothing to do with all that” Alpine Springs has come up with these holistic and creative outlets to ease clients along on the changes needed for successful life changes. They approach healing for the spirit as well, beginning with the standard 12 step meetings and self-help recovery events that are important

Integrative Healing Magazine

in all recovery programs and branching out into things like visiting local churches. “There’s a church 2 blocks away from the center that has been very receptive to our clients, from inviting them to the local community picnics to baking them cookies,” says Dan. There’s also a variety of churches and faiths within the several small towns close by that the interested clients can chose from. “We’re trying to help people become well-rounded individuals, not just have them go to meetings and talk about all the terrible things that have happened to them, then have nothing to do with that energy. There’s so much more to recovery than just the treatment part.” The owners, John and Doug, are active outdoorsmen and chose the location because of the potential it had to offer a wider range of care and healthy approach to living they felt was missing from other recovery centers. They had the idea to teach basic life skills and provide fun activities such as cooking classes and arts & crafts to hold the interests of those trying to make life changes and develop new habits. Recovery is a lifelong process, and without support you are much more likely to fail. He likens addiction to having cancer, in which you figure out what is wrong, make changes and receive treatment so the cancer goes into remission. “Stop doing what is working, such as going to your treatment, your 12 steps and self-help groups, and it will come out of remission and take you out. There’s only one option: to stay in recovery or you will fall back, and it will get you. It’s a one-way ride if you let it go that direction.” Another thing they started for after initial care is an alumni program. Basic treatment often starts at the highest level of care, which is in-patient detox or residential treatment 24 hours on the premises. As you get better, professional support steps back in a step-down fashion to out-patient care or halfway house as needed. As clients polish their building blocks to recovery, they will eventually move on to self-care. It’s during this time that clients need to stay focused on what is working for them, and where the seeds planted at Alpine Springs will hopefully take root and help clients grow in new directions. “There’s no cure for addiction, wouldn’t that be nice?” asks Dan, with a sarcastic smile in his voice. “So, you must be vigilant, you have to do the things you learn in treatment. You’re basically just covering something up; the drugs and alcohol are just a symptom of whatever is missing in your life, whatever is not working for you. Drugs and alcohol are a quick and easy coping mechanism, just not a good one. You don’t move forward in life unless you make changes, it just tears you down bit by bit until there’s nothing left. You never stop working on recovery. If you do, that’s the story of relapse.” alpinespringsrehab.com

~con’t from page 5 the O2 Derm™ Topical Gel. The first thing to do is to apply the gel liberally and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes for optimal effect. I have rubbed it in as well and saw results also but the sitting time really seems to add to the effect. There are 3 distinct methods that I have found to be useful in relieving pain.

Trigger Point Application 1– rub Just like your instinct tells you it where you know that the trigger points are located. That is the first thing all of us do. Your patients get one of the great self-treatment books that are available and apply gel in addition to using pressure.

2 Spinal Treatment of the Associated Dermatome

The second thing that I have found useful is to rub it onto the area of the spine that controls the nerves in the skin where the pain is felt. Refer to the image shown here. The numbered side shows where the nerves come out from on the spine. On the other side of the picture you can see where the nerves come to the skin. Rub the gel at the level of the spine where the pain is felt in the body. I usually see an increase in flexibility when I use the gel. The increase in flexibility provides the opportunity to move. That is what I tell people to do. Movement is the key to keeping the blood moving and the body in less pain.

Acupuncture Points

The third area I have seen work is to use the gel on finger and toe acupuncture points. I think this works because the nerves from those areas terminate in the extremities. I have also seen this

Website: www.dermcreations.com/ YouTubeChannel: www.youtube.com/user/Myoman1?view_as=public Blog: christianpainmanagement.blogspot.com/

work in the back by rubbing the gel over the area where the ribs attach to the breast bone.

Really Important Concluding Thoughts

I really love the gel. It does a lot as a supportive treatment. It is not a replacement for good hands on work. It generally does not “fix” the problem. What it does is provide an opportunity for the patient to actually move. The brain gets to learn that movement is actually possible and that it feels good. Application of the gel at home and in the office should always be followed by movement. Movement is the really big part of the treatment. Many patients have complained that the gel does not work as well when they get it home. That may be due to them not moving and expecting the gel to do the work. Another thing that you can ask is for the patient to apply the gel in your office so that you can see what they are doing. They often get it wrong. This is just like asking them to do their stretches in your presence so that you can see what they are actually doing. Dr. Travell taught us to do that with stretches and it should apply equally to other self-care activities. This is the coaching part of our work.

I recommend trying this and seeing

SPRING 2019

Mental Wellness

A Naturopath’s Approach to Dealing with Workplace Stress By Heidi Weinhold, ND

The following natural alternatives will not dull your mental faculties and will help you to stay resilient through situational stress that occurs in the workplace.

Botanical Nervines

Nervines are a category of herbs that help support the Nervous System. My favorite botanical nervine formula for situational stress contains equal parts of the Herbs Skullcap, Tilia, and Passionflower. People are instructed to take 2 to 3 dropperfulls of the liquid formula added to one ounce of water. An individual can repeat as needed up to 3 times in one day. Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a member of the Mint family. It is a gentle herbal remedy to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, restless sleep, dull headaches, and nervous exhaustion. There are no known contraindications with this herb and it is fast acting. Recent research shows that the herb contains the flavonoids, Baicalin and Baclein, and can have neuroprotective effects. The herb Passionflower is helpful to relieve symptoms of restlessness and muscle tension. It has a gentle calming effect and can help promote sleep. Tilia is also known as Linden or Lime flowers. It has been used to help relieve nervous heart palpitations due to stress

“to give soldiers courage” before going on the battlefield, and can be a good way to remember the remedy. If you can’t sleep the night before a big presentation, try taking 3 pellets; take another 3 pellets upon waking and another 3 prior to the event. It helps calm nervousness and shakiness before speaking in public. For business travel, this remedy helps people who have anxiety associated with flying. Staphysagria 30c is a great remedy for suppressed anger, guilt, and for people who feel like they are constantly overextend themselves for others. This remedy helps the individual to ‘let go’ of old hurts, insults, or humiliations. This remedy helps individuals who internalize and have difficulty confronting others at work. Homeopathic Nux Vomica is helpful for the type A personality, who can’t sleep after 3 am, gets irritable, and craves stimulants like caffeine. Nux Vomica is commonly known as the ‘hangover remedy’ and helps to relieve bloating, headaches, nausea, and sluggish feeling after an evening of overindulging with food or alcohol. Homeopathic Ignatia is made from the St. Ignatius bean and helps relieve a heartache and process grief. Helps to deal with deep grief brought about by death, divorce, or loss of a job.

Advantage of incorporating homeopathy is that it doesn’t cause drowsiness. Homeopathic remedies are easy to take. They come in sublingual pellets, discreet, and are perfect to carry in a purse or sport jacket pocket. There are no side effects of taking homeopathy with other Homeopathic Stress Busters Homeopathy has been used safely for over 200 medications. hundred years. Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars or ‘Like Treats Like’. A person Change Your Perception is given something similar that the patient Many people are looking for a quick fix to deal with is sensitive to in order to create an immune stress, depression, and anxiety. This has lead response to bring the body back to balance. The to an over prescription of anti-anxiety and antitheory is not unlike sublingual immunotherapy. depressant medications. For example, Prozac A homeopathic remedy is selected based on was never meant to be prescribed for longer than the person’s specific symptoms. The closer a a 6-month period. Long-term medications are person’s symptoms match the remedy, the better given for what is often a situational event. Longthe outcome. Homeopathy is a very safe and term use of Prozac has side effects, which include powerful modality that complements modern anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. These are the same exact symptoms that the medicine. drug was meant to treat, not to mention loss of Gelsemium 30c is a homeopathic remedy that is libido. Prescription antidepressant medication commonly used for ‘stage fright’ or ‘anticipatory can leave you feeling like you are in a fog. It anxiety’. This remedy was found in Civil War kits is difficult to be brilliant, energetic, and creative

when you feel numb. We are also a nation of s h a l l o w, r a p i d breathers which keeps us in a ‘fight or flight’ response. Instead try this simple exercise: find a quiet place, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply filling your lungs with air, and then exhale slowly through the mouth. Deep breathing relaxes the stomach muscles. People tend to hold a lot of tension and stress in the abdomen. This chronic tension can lead to digestive imbalances. Meditation won’t eliminate your troubles, but it can help to change your perception and that can lessen your load. It isn’t that meditation is hard to do, but rather easy not to do. Studies have shown that taking 5 to 10 minutes of deep breathing has an effect that can last up to 3 hours. Taking time for self-care helps to clear your head, release pressure, and the circling thoughts. Letting go of the circular thinking creates space for innovative ideas. Exercise helps to increase endorphins, relieve tension, improve sleep, prevent osteoporosis, improves cardiovascular health, increases metabolism, and is the closest thing we have to a panacea. It is essential as we age to keep moving. Find time exercise and pencil it in your schedule to make it a priority. Sometimes when we are in negativity, it can grow like a rolling snowball. There is much power in negative thinking and emotions are powerful energy. It helps to listen to a positive speaker on CD on the way in to work. Use every red light as a reminder to take a deep breath. What we focus on expands. If we can change our thoughts and perception about how we view problems at work, it can change how the rest of the day enfolds. Let me leave you with three words that can change your life;

Meditate don’t Medicate.

About Heidi Weinhold, ND Dr. Heidi Weinhold completed a four-year doctoral program in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. In 2013 she received the Alumni Award from Southwest College in recognition of her contribution towards the advancement of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2017, Southwest College further honored Dr. Weinhold by bestowing upon her an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

For the past twelve years, Dr. Weinhold has served as the legislative chair for the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Medicine, working with legislators to promote legislation to license Naturopathic Doctors in Pennsylvania. A giant step towards this effort was achieved with the passage of House Bill 516 in 2016. HB 516 provides title protection and registration for Naturopathic Physicians graduating from accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges. Full licensure Integrative Healing Magazine

efforts are currently underway. Dr. Weinhold received the 2017 Physician of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Weinhold has a private practice in Pennsylvania and served as an adjunct professor at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. This past year Dr. Weinhold represented the AANMC, the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, promoting awareness of Naturopathic education and their valuable and integral place in the medical community. Dr. Weinhold is a member of the Pennsylvania Pain Society. Contact Heidi Appalachian Botanicals LLC, #2 Zenith Building 2400 Ansys Drive, Suite 102, Canonsburg, PA 15317 Office: 724-941-7701 www.doctorheidi.net

By Sara Makin, M.S.Ed. LPC ,NCC & Laura Stewart , BA, CHN

here are various sources of stress whether it be work related, relational issues, health concerns, or other daily worries. Things like exercise and time outside are encouraged as a way to positively affect our mood and reduce stress. When it comes to our eating habits, we often hear about particular foods linked to increased energy levels and improved physical health. What about mental health though? What does our mood have to do with our food? Surely, it’s unlikely to hear someone say, “My food is really stressing me out.” But it turns out, the old saying “you are what you eat” is ringing true in more ways than one. Consider further evidence of the link between food and its affects on mental health. Mindful eating An expecting mother will carefully choose what she eats to ensure her developing baby is getting needed nutrients and “brain food” for the brain of her developing fetus. According to nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, “Antioxidants protect the baby’s brain tissue from damage” (S. Kuzemchak, 2018). Dark leafy greens, blueberries, and other dark colored fruits and vegetables provide the most antioxidants. Like a developing fetus, our brains need antioxidants for protection from free radicals – waste produced when the body uses oxygen, which can cause damage to the cells. Eating nutrient rich foods containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain, while protecting it from damaging free radicals, or oxidative damage. Poor nutrition is taxing to the immune system putting one at risk for free radical damage, premature a g i n g , a m o n g other health r i s k s . Mindful eating Think of when you let a cut up apple sit out. It becomes brown from oxidation. That is exactly what we don’t want to happen to our brains. Just as we fuel our vehicles to keep them properly running, we want to fuel our brains. Choosing high quality fuel will produce the best results. Speaking of apples and brains, eating “an apple a day” may actually help “keep the doctor away” since it contains powerful and beneficial antioxidants. A study at Cornell found apples to protect brain cells against oxidative stress, since they contain high levels of quercetin (G, Stemilt. 2016). It is recommended to eat the entire apple, including the skin, to reap all of the benefits. So why not try out the old saying and give your brain a boost by eating an apple a day!Mindful eating In seeing the positive effects healthy eating has on our brains, naturally we have to question “how does food actually affect our mood?” Often times we are looking for a quick fix in this fast paced world when it comes to meal time. With fast food restaurants being readily available, it has become even easier to grab something to eat without really considering nutritional benefits. Our enteric nervous system (ENS) which directly controls our gastrointestinal system is said to be our

About Makin Wellness Founded in 2017 , Makin Wellness is Pennsylvania’s premier therapy and coaching centers located virtually in Downtown Pittsburgh and New Kensington, PA. The company’s mission is to help people heal and become happy again. Makin Wellness specializes in depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, medical marijuana, relationship counseling & more. mind, promoting harmony between the mind and body. “I am” statements gives greater opportunity for positive outcomes through a more positive outlook and approach. • Eat nutrient dense foods – Healthier (mindful) eating habits provides benefits to the brain, which effects our mood and mental health. High quality foods will give you a higher quality of life, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Remember, don’t drink your calories with thinks like soda or other drinks with high sugar content. • Eliminate or reduce sugar intake – Too much sugar is taxing to the body. Try replacing sugary snacks with healthier options like fresh fruit or trail mix. • Get a massage – Massage is a perfect way to remove toxins, promote restful sleep, and relieve stress. Essential oils like lavender can be used to aid in relaxation during massage, which has also been shown to increase serotonin levels. Treat yourself to a little relaxation. It just might do you a lot of good! • Get enough rest – Adequate sleep helps reduce stress and produce serotonin, which improves mood and helps control appetite (healthy eating + restful sleep = improved serotonin levels and improved mental health!)

“second brain,” with 95% of serotonin being produced in the intestinal tract. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit pain (E, Selhub, 2018). Since our GI tract is lined with a hundred million nerve cells, it makes sense that our digestive system guides our emotions. Researchers believe that serotonin (also called “the happiness hormone”) imbalance influences mood which may influence anxiety and depression. Production of neurotransmitters like serotonin is highly influenced by the good bacteria in our gut. Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial in this regard. It is also important to keep gender differences in mind. In order for a woman to feel happier, Finding ways to balance serotonin and other she needs to release and restore Oxytocin neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, levels. In order for a man to feel more cheerful, is key to maintaining wellness and improving he needs to release and restore testosterone mental health. One essential way is to be levels. mindful of what foods we’re eating since it directly effects the health of our GI tract, Ways to naturally increase Oxytocin: which is so closely linked to our emotions. The process our body goes through when breaking Non-sexual cuddling down foods and using them for fuel is a very Hugging extensive one. Thus, eating high quality foods Making eye contact is vital to getting the best quality of fuel for our Petting / cuddling with your pet bodies. Below are some tips to boost serotonin, Massage which in turn reduces stress and improves Increase Vitamin C & Magnesium overall well-being Mindful eating.

Tips for improving serotonin levels to improve mental health: Mindful eating • Take good quality probiotics – Probiotics are the good bacteria found in the gut, which can increase serotonin levels. Dr. David Williams explains the benefits of probiotics and the connection between gut health and mental health at drdavidwilliams.com. He is known as a pioneer in the field of probiotics. • Exercise – Exercise is known for releasing endorphins, but did you know taking a walk or exercising for just 20 minutes can boost serotonin levels? A little fresh air and sunlight can do wonders. • Practice Mindfulness – taking time to be present prevents anxious thoughts, allowing one to enjoy the moment and make more meaningful connections with others. This includes being mindful of what we’re eating, thinking, and saying. • Positive affirmations – We are what we think. Positive thinking improves our overall state of

Ways to naturally increase Testosterone: Sitting on the couch High quality sleep Take ashwagandha Avoid estrogen-like chemicals such as BPA Laughter

Setting and achieving realistic goals Practicing these tips can help bring your mind and body into greater balance, improving mental health and overall wellness. If you would like additional support please schedule your session today to get connected with Pennsylvania’s best therapists & coaches! www.makinwellness.com 239 4th Avenue, Suite 1801, Pgh PA 15222 744 4th Ave New Kensington, PA 15068 Phone: 412-532-1249

SPRING 2019

Mindful Eating

Mindful Eating to Improve Mental Health

Cannabis

Medical Cannabis:

The Next Wave of Holistic Medicine By Sven Hosford

Pennsylvania is not often considered a progressive state, but the medical cannabis program is regarded to as one of the best state programs in the country by many industry insiders. Patient and physician friendly, it may be the best example of a major holistic wave moving through Western Medicine.

Defining Medicine

Since the 1960s, there has been a growing movement towards more natural, holistic, and integrative ways of health and healing. The focus has been on nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle changes with lots of Eastern philosophies included. The movement tried on a variety of names in its evolution. Basically, this was the “everything but traditional medicine” crowd, and some groups hardened into an “everything but pharmaceuticals” movement. In the 1990’s, “alternative medicine” was a popular term until “complementary medicine” became vogue. Traditional medicine and the new evolving beliefs and therapies could coexist. They were not mutually exclusive, said advocates. But “complementary” connoted that traditional medicine still was in charge. “Integrative medicine” became popular in the 2000’s and perhaps is the most accurate term, as the traditional and nontraditional coexist with equal importance. “Functional medicine” has become a popular term, as it incorporates nutrition, lifestyle, and the hard science of traditional medicine and seeks to treat the cause of illness rather than only the symptoms. For the purposes of this article, we’ll include all these definitions under the term “holistic medicine”, which is defined as “regarding the whole.” Whatever is the most practical, is the most natural, has the least side effects, and seeks to treat the cause not just symptoms can be defined as “holistic.” Since 1994, I have interviewed the top professionals in this holistic movement, and there is mutual agreement among both sides that a clear dividing line can be drawn between traditional and holistic medicine. That dividing line is simply this: Traditional medical professionals give the orders that the patient is expected to obey. These doctors are given special training in “compliance” which means “how to get your patients to obey.” Holistic healers, on the other hand, believe each person is the captain of one’s own ship. They understand that it is usually wise to listen to a doctor’s advice, and, if it seems reasonable, go along with it. But if any part of one’s being disagrees, that person should cuss, fuss, object, question, get second or

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more opinions, do research, and, in all ways, be a major pain in the ass to his physicians. These people are the captains of their own ship, and they dislike anyone questioning their authority. Many people, especially many traditional medical professionals, find this attitude … well, um, challenging. Those involved in the growing medical cannabis industry find this attitude refreshing and key to the success and sustainability of the entire industry.

The Solevo Wellness Way

Consider what Solevo Wellness Pharmacy Director Richard Greer said during a recent podcast. “People are always fascinated whenever I explain to them and try to make it very clear and very transparent that they are the one in control of this therapy. We don’t operate on a true prescription basis. We don’t say, ‘Hey take this 5 mg capsule twice a day. We’ll see you in a month. Don’t ask any questions.’” The policy at Solevo Wellness is that every first-time visitor sits down with a pharmacist to ensure the patient fully understands the process. “I’m a pharmacist, and I’m not here to trash traditional medicine, but at the same time, my role here at Solevo is to rework that thought process. It’s a lot about patient engagement. We can give you the information, we can make certain suggestions, we can even make certain predictions of how things will work for you, but the bottom line is that the patient is very much the one driving their ship. It’s their responsibility to pay attention to what they are trying from us from a medical marijuana standpoint, what relief it is bringing them, and I typically tell people it is 100 percent about relief.” Greer believes that cannabis patients are more open, in general, to other alternative or holistic modalities and practices. While he may talk about diet or other lifestyle issues with clients in the course of their conversation, he emphasized, “Sometimes it’s a struggle because we are a medical marijuana dispensary. We are not a nutritionist. We are not a health club. So, it’s almost like we are just part of the equation.” That attitude of being just part of the equation, a partner or

helper, is very much a component of the holistic way. This is the attitude Greer seeks to inspire in his patients. “We are on this journey with them. It’s not like a one and done. You don’t get one consultation and then ‘Just go figure it out on your own.’ That is a big part of our job is to help you figure things out, not just with marijuana but with overall health.”

Healing Holistically

Mike Butler, Pharmacy Director for The Healing Center (THC), a medical cannabis dispensary with locations in Washington and Monroeville PA, expressed much the same sentiment during a panel discussion for the Mind Body Spirit Healing Expo. The topic of the discussion was “Integrating Medical Cannabis and Holistic Medicine.” “One of the fundamental topics that we talk about is helping patients take control of their own health,” said Butler. The policy of THC is that every first-time patient sits down with one of the medical professionals--a pharmacist, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. “One of the things that we stress,” said Butler, “is that unlike traditional medicine where generally we would say, ‘Take this drug, take these many milligrams, these many times a day for these many days, and this is what’s going to happen.’ As the patient, you don’t have to worry about that. You don’t have to go home and look it up. You don’t have to talk to your friends and family about what their experience was with that medicine. The doctor said to take it, so you go home and take it.” “That is not the approach that we like to take,” said Butler. “We tell everyone that this is very different and that you are the one who is in control of your dosage. The doctor did not write you a prescription for this. We give them guidance on how to start at a very low dose and very slowly come up into what we call

the therapeutic range, where we see a response. At that point, it’s their responsibility to evaluate that as a positive or negative response.” Butler emphasized the point. “The number one thing that we do is we try to in enforce that idea, that you are taking a big step towards overseeing your own healthcare. That really is one of the fundamentals of the holistic approach to medicine.”

Integration Statewide

This holistic attitude seems to permeate the industry in Pennsylvania. With 25 grower/processor permits and 50 dispensary permits now awarded, (with each dispensary able to open three locations), a pace is being set for success and sustainability. To date, over 100,000 patients and 1,000 physicians have signed up for the program. Most importantly, the supply of medical cannabis is expected to keep pace with demand despite some early hiccups. Happily, the movement toward a holistic approach is strong across the state. Some dispensaries have even included the word “integrated” or “integrative” in their company name. Many make it the foundation of how they operate. In future issues, we’ll talk with them to discover which of the fundamentals of holistic medicine form the core of their medical philosophies. To hear the complete interview with Richard Greer of Solevo Wellness, visit http://dispensemagazine.com/pain-managementand-opioid-addiction-part-three/ The complete interview with Mike Butler of The Healing Center starts about 31:30 of the podcast at http://dispensemagazine.com/ integrating-cannabis-and-holistic-medicine/

SPRING 2019

Starting the By April Minech

here’s a lot of buzz about CBD oil, medical marijuana and the overall benefits of cannabis, and rightly so. But how does one get started and where can you find good information you can trust? Enter Compassionate Clinics of America - a company that will not only answer all your questions, they’ll hold your hand and support you throughout your own personal journey. The clinic is conveniently located in the strip district on the 2200 block of Penn Avenue. Owner Joseph Mazza spent a good bit of his early career in the travel industry, with a healthy background as an athlete growing up. His college hockey days left him with some post-concussive injuries and while looking at alternative methods for treatment he discovered relief with medical cannabis. Wanting to share his success with others, he opened Compassionate Clinics of America. “You never know what someone is going through, and what level of care and understanding they need,” Mazza explains, having the point of view of being former patient dealing with several conditions himself. The clinics are based on his passion for customer service and developed with carefully thought out positions to address the specific needs of his clients. The company has several supportive branches, including education and counseling to help people gain a better quality of life. The journey begins with a phone call to set up an appointment at the clinic. At your initial visit, you’ll be given a standard questionnaire about your medical background and asked to describe the condition and/or symptoms you are seeking relief for. The form also lists the conditions approved in the state of Pennsylvania for medical marijuana treatment. If you’ve been previously diagnosed by your PCP or a specialist, you can bring a copy of that with you to share with the doctor, though the clinic may help you treat the symptoms rather than the diagnosis. “We’re a group of compassionate people,” Mazza explains, and the supportive care offered allows options for

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Journey

holistic care to pair with traditional methods based on the goals and needs of the patient. Dr. Monika Juszczyk, an internal medicine MD, was on hand the day of my visit to see patients and advise them of options. Her western medicine background includes work as a Preventive Cardiologist and Lipid expert, as well as a BoardCertified Fellow in Anti-Aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine. She is also a Metabolic Cardiovascular Health Fellowship graduate, nutritional expert, Reiki practioner, researcher and national/international lecturer and writer. As a dedicated promoter of preventive, personalized, integrative and holistic medicine, she believes that true healing starts with awareness and actions towards healing. Our consultation covered all my current medicines, health goals and education about holistic practices in general. The visit was professional and yet more friendly and caring than a regular trip to the doctor, as we discussed options including Reiki and nutrition in addition to the benefits of cannabis. Dr. Monika was a fountain of information given with the ease and comfort of an old friend and provided lots of leads for things to try along the journey. After talking with the doctor, you’ll need to sit with Joe for a few minutes to finalize the certification process. He has a wide background on the types of CBD and THC products available and can also provide guidance. For example, he explained there are two types of cannabis: Sativa and Indica. Sativas tend to provide more invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects, while Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap before bed. And the delivery system used makes a difference as well. For instance, CBD oil processed through a drop under the tongue does not go through the stomach or the liver where it can lose some of its effect and has

a quicker absorption time than an edible, which has longer lasting effects but needs more time to work. The process was inspiring as well as educational, and the professional, competent staff were a great help. From answering all the basic questions, a newbie might ask to help navigate the PA site for the medical marijuana card application, staff (Special thanks, Adrian!) provided assistance with comfort throughout. For anyone wondering if cannabis and holistic care may be an option, consider making an appointment at the Compassionate Clinic for more information. The center is open to walk-in traffic and inquiring minds but expect to need an appointment to see the doctor. Staff is happy to help as available between clients, and there are plenty of informational brochures and leaflets out to gather and read up on.

3 Steps to Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card 1: Schedule Appointment: Schedule an appointment by calling 888-372-0325. Appointments are usually available within a week and take about 30 minutes, including time to fill out the application. 2: Meet the Doctor: Meet a medical cannabis doctor who will review your condition/symptoms and answer all of your questions. After meeting with the doctor, you’ll pay a $200 certification fee and the paperwork will be filed electronically with the state. 3: Get Your Card: Visit the PA DOH website, pay your fee, and get your medical marijuana card in the mail in about 5 days. The staff at the Compassionate Clinic can help you do this on-site; you’ll need your PA driver’s license and a credit card for the $50 fee.

Advertiser Locator Map

A Animal Healing Now Page 15 animalhealingnow.com/location.html

B Appalachian Botanicals

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C Beaver Animal Clinic Page 15 beaveranimalclinic.com

D Buzzy Photography

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E Compassionate Clinics of America Page 12 mycompassionateclinic.com

F Compassionate Clinics of America Page 12 mycompassionateclinic.com

G Compassionate Clinics of America Page 12 mycompassionateclinic.com

H Dispense Magazine

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I Ease Animal Massage

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J Healthy Pet Products

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K Healthy Pet Products

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L O2 Derm Relief

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M Makin Wellness

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N VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center

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SPRING 2019

Holistic Pet

Benefits of Integrative Veterinary Medicine By Dr. Doug Knueven

ntegrative Veterinary Medicine involves the use of the most appropriate Western medicine techniques along with the best of what holistic medicine has to offer. In this way, the pet benefits from the best of both worlds! When I speak of using the “most appropriate” Western medicine techniques, I mean the art of choosing the right tool for the right problem. Often, conventional medicine lumps many individuals into the same group. Every animal with the same diagnosis gets the same treatment. My holistic philosophy of medicine honors the individual animal and each garners a unique approach. Western medicine is geared toward fighting disease. In fact, in veterinary school, we are not taught about health care; we are taught about disease care. While this approach imbues the practitioner with vital skills, it gives an incomplete view of health and healing. Holistic medicine, on the other hand is focused on the health of the patient. By helping the pet’s body function to its highest level, we aid the animal companion in regaining wellbeing. Integrative Veterinary Medicine practitioners realize that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive. It is certainly possible to strengthen the body while fighting disease. For example, if a pet has a serious infection, it makes sense to give antibiotics to kill the bacteria. But, no antibiotic can help a pet with a failing immune system. So, the use of supplements to support the animal’s immune system is also called for. And by the way, while antibiotics are killing off the bad bacteria, they are also decimating the good bacteria in the animal’s gut. Any pet on antibiotics needs a probiotic supplement to maintain intestinal and immune system health. The holistic approach to health honors the body’s ability to heal itself. In fact, the body comes complete with its own pharmacy. Proof for this assertion can be found by studying the placebo effect. It is a fact that on average, 30% of those treated with a sugar pill will get better – no matter what disease we’re talking about. While we might say this is a case of mind over matter, we have to acknowledge that these individuals have found a way to cure themselves. Holistic methods tap into this innate ability of self-healing.

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I would also like to point out that while fighting disease is great, it is much better to avoid problems in the first place. And, how many tools does conventional medicine have for preventing disease? By my count one – vaccines. While prudent vaccination plans are helpful, we must realize that every vaccine is a double-edged sword. Each one can affect a pet negatively and it is certainly possible to over-do it when it comes to vaccinating. Every pet does not need every vaccine every year. Each animal should be vaccinated based on its unique lifestyle and disease risk. The beauty of holistic medicine is that it can powerfully prevent disease. Holistic practitioners can detect what has been termed dis-ease. Dis-ease is a state of health where the animal is having problems but those issues have not progressed to the point of disease. Let’s face it, just because a pet is not sick does not mean she is perfectly healthy. Most pet owners have witnessed dis-ease in their four-legged companions. Every once in a while, they can clearly see that their pet is not acting right. Unfortunately, when they take him to their vet, the exam and tests do not identify a disease. In such cases the veterinarian is at a loss to come up with a treatment because there is no diagnosis. Holistic methods give the practitioner techniques to detect subtle imbalances, along with tools to fix the problem. The bottom line is that by embracing Integrative Medicine, a veterinarian has more tools in the old tool box. While conventional veterinarians have drugs and surgery, an integrative vet has those important tools plus things like nutritional supplements, herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture, energy medicine, massage therapy, therapeutic laser, and even Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine food therapy. No doubt you’ve heard the saying, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” An integrative vet will use the appropriate tool.

Integrative Holistic Medicine Integrative: combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine Holistic: providing more options for therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Spinal Manipulation • Supplements

• Natural Nutrition • Vaccine Counseling • Massage Therapy • Healing Touch

Dr. Doug has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 1993. He is certiﬁed in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Doug has treated thousands of challenging cases.

For complete care for your animal companion, see Dr. Doug. Call Beaver Animal Clinic today to set up a holistic exam for your pet.

Dr. Doug | The Holistic Vet

357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009 | 724.774.8047

beaveranimalclinic.com

No Matter Where You Live, This Dr. Is Worth Every Second To Get Your Pet Better. Young, vibrant Golden Retriever named Bauer is diagnosed with torn knee ligaments, after just 2 visits he is “acting as if nothing had ever happened”, read what Bauer’s dad had to say about working with Animal Healing NOW: Dr. Savko is awesome! I took my Golden Retriever to him when the vets thought he tore his ACL. He was limping and not playing a whole lot. Initially the veterinarians had me thinking that expensive surgery after expensive diagnostic testing were my ONLY options for my pal to have a normal life again. If that was the way it had to be then so be it, but I thought maybe there might be a better way so I got a second opinion. I am so glad I got another opinion from a veterinarian that referred me to Dr. Savko. Right away I messaged Dr. Savko frantic about my baby and he responded immediately and was very calming. I’ve

since been seeing him for about 8 weeks now and after just 2 visits, Bauer was acting as nothing ever happened and playing with his puppy brother. Dr. Savko saw the progress himself and could’ve easily taken advantage of me and told me to come 7 days a week, but he spread out the visits and even cut a few out because Bauer was doing so well. NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE, THIS DR. IS WORTH EVERY SECOND TO GET YOUR PET BETTER. THANKS DR. SAVKO! You have not tried everything until you have tried Animal Healing NOW, besides why wouldn’t you go the non invasive route ﬁrst? Unless it is a life or death emergency, natural and non invasive options should always be considered ﬁrst or at least in addition to anything else! Healing, not just treating.

www.animalhealingnow.com

LOCATIONS:

Holiday Park Animal Hospital, Plum Greenﬁeld Veterinary Hospital, Pittsburgh Donovan Veterinary Hospital, Ligonier Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo

20 Years Experience Certified VOM Chiropractor Veterinary Affiliation Certified ThetaHealer® “miracle worker” “a very supporting and caring doctor” “wish I would have known about you sooner” “best time/money we ever spent” “you have given us hope”

724.261.7915 SPRING 2019

VCA Shoreline Veterinary Specialty Hospitals VCA Northview Animal Referral and Animal Emergency Center Hospital

Specialty Referral Center

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Safe, effective pain management and healing for your pet! WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE? Deanna Purvis, VMD, DACVECC, CVA, utilizes both conventional and alternative or complementary diagnostics and treatments to improve the innate healing response that is present in every individual, including our pets. Immediate health problems are addressed along with a continued individualized focus on maintenance of health and secondary disease prevention. Treatments should be natural when possible and should be the least invasive option available. When our companions are dealing with serious or life altering disease, neither conventional nor complementary medicine might offer a cure. However, the addition of complementary medical therapies (such as those listed below) to a patient’s conventional treatment plan has the potential to improve their quality of life. • Acupuncture • Herbal medicine • Low level laser and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) THERE ARE BENEFITS TO STARTING YOUR PUPPY OR KITTEN’S CARE WITH INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE: • Vaccinations tailored to what your puppy or kitten need. During annual examinations your pet’s already existing antibody titers may be evaluated to replace routine vaccinations. • Nutritional choices best for your individual pet’s genetic make-up. • Treatment focused on individualized health maintenance to better resist disease. • If disease does occur - management includes traditional Chinese herbal therapy and acupuncture in addition to more conventional approaches.

CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT! 412-348-8507

Science of Spirituality

The Tes

Energy is far more than something that are made of vibrating electromagnetic e electromagnetic field in all direc-tions connection to our animal companions, w

cientists recently made a profound discovery supporting this concept when they captured the Higgs Boson or “God Particle”. According to particle physics, every field must have a particle associated with it - the pebble in the pond. We may not be able to see the waves, but if we find the pebble, then we know the pond exists. The Higgs Boson was theorized to be the particle associated with an energy field that connects everything - hence the name God particle. After years of painstaking work, the Large Hadron Collider in Europe measured the Higgs Boson. Science is now proving what spiritual teachers have always maintained. We are truly all the same; all species are part of the same “force field”. The humanhuman and human-animal bonds are not only emotional; they are physical. When we think of someone, we are instantaneously connected, because we are part of the same energetic soup. Ever think of someone you haven’t talked to in a long while, then they call out of the blue? That’s not coincidence, that’s nonverbal energetic communication through the ethers of the cosmos. Long before the Higgs Boson lived an eccentric genius named Nikola Tesla. Among his inventions are alternating current, radio, appliance and ignition switch motors, and the Tesla coil, which creates an electromagnetic field. His theories allowed the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), an advanced technique that allows health care providers to see the body in a way that is light years above a standard x-ray. And he has a pretty cool car named after him, too. One of the most well-known stories about Tesla involves his theory of magnetic resonance. He believed that if an oscillating

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device is placed on a structure, it would ultimately cause its demise. The oscillations would resonate with the structure’s inherent frequency and slowly cause it to vibrate. With each oscillation, the energy intensifies, and the vibration of the structure magnifies. It’s similar to a child on a swing – with every gentle push, she goes higher than the time before. Ultimately the physical composition can’t withstand the force and breaks down. Collapsing bridges and opera singers shattering crystal glasses are two examples of this concept. Tesla decided to test his theory. He placed an oscillating device on a support beam in his basement laboratory. The police arrived within hours because tenants had called to report an earthquake. The entire building was shaking! It was only natural that I read about Tesla’s work, because I grew up hearing fascinating stories about him. My grandparents had a close relationship with him, as his sister married into my grandmother’s family. My father made sure we knew who he was and what he contributed to humanity. So, I often read about him as my interest in wave theory and energy medicine developed. Then one day I had my “ah ha” moment. After reliving a painful situation in my life for the seemingly 1000th time, I realized it was just like Tesla’s theory of magnetic resonance! The players may have been different, but the underlying dynamic was the same. It occurred over and over again. If oscillating devices can tumble a sky scraper, why can’t a repeating energy pattern topple our lives? As with Tesla’s oscillating device, our childhood wounds are energy patterns that continually recur, becoming increasingly stronger. We believe the obstacles holding us back in life are new problems, or the current disease is a new illness, but they are not. They are physical manifestations of an old wound recurring in

different forms, waiting to be acknowledged. I call this The Tesla Principle. We can’t heal a disease or relationship until we understand what it really is. In fact, that’s what healing is! Healing is becoming aware of our energetic patterns, discovering what they teach us, and learning how to stop reacting in a negative fashion. If we perceive our-selves as victims, the cycle will continue. Once we understand this concept, we can respond differently, and get off the “swing”. Moreover, this energetic completion is the reason we exist, our very life’s purpose. With this finishing point comes healing, balance and harmony, and the expression of our highest self. Our life flows more easily and gracefully, and we are able to experience peace in the midst of suffering. I invite you to look back over your life. Can you see your recurring patterns? They are also played out generation after generation, lifetime after lifetime. Animals are a wonderful expression of The Tesla Principle. Guess who come into our lives and reflect our oscillating patterns back to us? You may not think that your cat urinating on your favorite oriental carpet is a high spiritual purpose, but it is. Can you conceptualize that your two dogs fighting with each other is a sign that two humans aren’t getting along? It may be spouses, parent and child, or boss and employee, but an important relationship needs to be healed. Moreover, the oscillating pattern began as a childhood relationship that was not healthy, so it returns through future relationships. If

sla Principle

We can’t heal a By Dr. Susan disease Wagner or relationship t turns lights on and off or runs our cars. All living and non-living substances until we energy – just like light, sound or microwaves. We literally send off an invisible understand s, like ripples created by pebbles tossed into a pond. This energy field is a wildlife and natural surroundings. It connects us to every being on the planet. what it really is. these or any of our other pat-terns aren’t the situation, and to complete the cycle. This right then, illuminated and healed, they will continue to manifest until something crumbles, just like Tesla’s skyscraper. This could be a relationship, a career, or our bodies.

Horses also mirror what we humans need to see. Anyone who does equine therapy, and who is really in tune with the horse, knows that it is doing the work. I smile to myself when I watch a session in which the human therapist is trying to control the situation. I know the horse is helping the patient and therapist by not letting them have control. I’ve been blessed to be a part of true healing when I interpret what a therapy horse is showing my clients. It is an amazing process to experience. I call this Equine Assisted Awareness. And isn’t this true of all animals? I believe every animal can provide us with energetic wisdom. As long as there is a child being abused, there will be dog fighting. Feral cats hold a healing space for the environment in which they exist. When there is no more poverty and homelessness, they won’t be needed. I invite you to look at your pet’s “bad” behavior differently. They are walking a path with us, and open doors to greater selfawareness and healing. Animals are our connection to power, and teachers of wisdom. They work incognito, in different forms, yet knowingly leading humanity to wholeness. All we need is to be open to their messages and receive their gifts. My hope is that someday each of you will come to know them as I do.

may be a difficult task, depending on the severity of the original wound. It may require help from a caring professional or spiritual advisor. I truly believe that life wasn’t meant to be abusive. Humans somehow became disconnected from our lifeline of positive energies. This allowed people to lose them-selves in darkness, which resulted in horrific acts for many children. Healing those wounds takes time and support.

or it may come during other quiet time of

reflection.

Lastly: Think of something peaceful that allows you to open your heart and feel a sense of peace. This emotion will actually create an energy field that emanates from your heart area. Visualize putting your recurring pattern (or any problem) right into this energy field. Then let it go! Be patient I suggest a three-step process to work — you’ll see results as problems solve toward completion of Tesla patterns. This themselves, or you’ll receive clear guidance helps us connect to our intuitive side and on action steps needed for resolution. allows illumination of our highest path. It’s very simple yet may not be easy. The steps The spiritual landscape is shifting. More and usually need to be repeated many times as more people are reconnecting to their intuithe Tesla patterns return in different forms. tion and searching for their higher purpose. Be patient and have fun with it! When you It may not look like it now, but peace is can laugh at your patterns, you know you being created on the planet. As each of us are very close to completion. complete our Tesla patterns and find peace in our own lives, we make the journey easier First: Be aware of when you are being for all who struggle. Consider walking into triggered. What emotions are you feeling? the painful emotions and look for the wisdom Experience them — what we resist persists. hiding within them. Tell yourself to get off the If this is too difficult to do alone, work with a Tesla swing and see what starts to open up professional. for you. Keep the pure intention of moving forward and completing all old patterns. And Next: Ask yourself what wisdom is imbedded remember to put all of your fears and issues here. How can you work with it for the greater into a calm, peaceful place. Stay there as good? Take a deep breath and be still. You much as you can – that is where all true may receive a visualization or message healing exists.

I also invite you to look for the patterns in your life and open up to a new mechanism for healing. Be aware of when you are being the angry or woeful victim. That state of being on-ly energizes patterns and never allows for completion. When we understand that our own energy fields are creating everything in our lives, we can’t blame others. They are merely acting as our Tesla patterns require and playing the role of the people from our childhood. Don’t resist what’s happening. Instead, see it as your life’s purpose to understand the wisdom within SPRING 2019

Edgar Cayce on

DIVINE ENERGY

dgar Cayce has been called “The Father of Holistic Medicine in the U.S.” and is the most documented psychic/medical intuitive of the twentieth century. He dedicated his life to helping others through his extrasensory gift. Mr. Cayce had the ability to put himself into a trance, allowing him to connect with a deep level of consciousness, a spiritual dimension of knowing beyond the grasp of most of us. While in this state, he gave discourses, called readings, on subjects including holistic health, spirituality, dreams, meditation, and ancient civilizations, just to name a few. Over 14,000 of these readings were carefully transcribed and meticulously cataloged. Although Edgar Cayce died over seventy years ago, his inspiring message lives on in the work of the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), the organization located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that he founded to study the material in the readings. For anyone who has encountered an Edgar Cayce reading, you may have found the biblical-style language off-putting. I personally often find Cayce readings to be inspiring and informative. However, some of them can be mystifying and confusing. The latter was the case when I stumbled upon the following reading excerpt.

“Know then that the force in nature that is called electrical or electricity is that same force ye worship as Creative or God in action!” 1299-1* How is God like electricity? Well, in this day and age that may be an easy comparison. Everything in our world seems to be run by electricity. In our homes and businesses, electricity is an invisible force that we can plug into for light, heat, food preparation, information, and of course, entertainment. It is hard to imagine living without electricity. And when the power lines go down, it’s “lights out” and nothing much gets done. But somehow, I don’t think this is the analogy that Cayce had in mind. Let’s dig a little deeper into the readings.

Integrative Healing Magazine

“Electricity or vibration is that same energy, same power, ye call God. Not that God is an electric light or an electric machine, but that vibration that is creative is of that same energy as life itself.” 2828-4 “For, all life is electrical energy.” 3491-1 Now we’re getting somewhere. Since life is an expression of God, and according to the Cayce readings, life is electrical in nature, then electricity in a living system is a manifestation of God. Let’s explore just what life is from a biological perspective.

Cellular Life

The cell is the unit of life. Death of the body results when its cells cease to function. Health is a reflection of the proper functioning of every cell of the body. In fact, the Cayce readings indicate that each cell is a “universe within itself” and that each of these individual entities has consciousness. So, each cell of the body is not only a unit of life but a unit of consciousness.

By Doug Knueven, Member of A.R.E. Board of Trustees

It is the controlled flow of ions that allows signals to be carried by the nerves of our brains and nervous systems. That means that every thought we have is a result of bioelectricity. This same basic process is responsible for the contraction of our muscles. So, every movement we make and every beat of our hearts are powered by electricity. But there are still deeper implications of bioelectricity.

Life Force Energy

The power source within every cell is an organelle called the mitochondrion. The average cell contains 1,000 mitochondria and they take up 1/10 of the cell’s total volume. The mitochondria convert glucose, fat, and protein from food and the oxygen from respiration into energy by creating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the energy supply for many of the cellular, biomolecular machines.

Mitochondria fulfill their task by pumping protons (positively charged ions) from the inside to the outside of their organelle membranes. This creates a gradient of electrical charge where the inside of the mitochondrion is negative compared to the outside. Because positive and negative charges attract, an electoral field is created. In this way, the mitochondrion becomes a It has recently been estimated that the miniature bio-battery. human body is made up of 37.2 trillion cells. They must be working together diligently on the first chapter of A Search for It is the electrical energy of these cellular God: Cooperation. Each cell contains ten batteries that powers the process of creating thousand biomolecular machines (enzymes ATP. If the mitochondrial electricity were and organelles). The various equipment to fail, no ATP could be produced, and the within a given cell allows it to complete 6,000 cellular machinery would stop. When this chemical reactions per second. It is hard to happens in the cells of the brain or the heart, imagine the complexity of communications bodily death results. So, as indicated by the needed to coordinate all of the activities Cayce readings, electricity is the ultimate within cells, between cells, and between energy of the life force. body systems. Furthermore, the cells of the body actively To start to tie this all together, let’s look at transport positive, sodium ions out of the role electricity plays in the functioning of themselves using pumps fueled by ATP. the body to its deepest level and how this This creates another gradient of charge reflects the influences of the Divine. where the outside of the cell is positive compared to the inside. Similarly, to the mitochondria, the cells themselves function Bioelectricity Electricity is a force that results from the as batteries. When the cellular membrane interaction between positive and negative allows certain ions in or out of the cell, a tiny charges. Like charges repel while opposites current of electricity results. This current, attract. In the body there are different atoms further powers the cellular machinery of life. and molecules that have positive or negative charges associated with them. We call Recently a University of Michigan these charged particles ions. Bioelectricity biophysical chemist used a tiny voltmeter to (the kind of electricity used in the body) is measure rat brain cells’ electrical potential generated by the movement of these ions. and detected fields as strong as 15 million

The Bioelectric Body

The electrical forces generated by of the cells of the body set up a complex pattern of electrical fields. It is the summation and interaction of all the electrical activity of the body and mind that results in the overall bioelectric field which interpenetrates and is emitted by the body. This electrical field which reflects the body/mind is part of what some people are able to sense as the body’s aura.

volts per meter throughout. This is actually a tiny amount of electricity per cell, but when multiplied by trillions of cells, it becomes a huge force. In fact, assuming the rat measurements also apply to humans, we all have the electrical power of a lightning bolt within us! Now that’s what I call the power of the Almighty!

The Current of Injury

Another aspect of the difference in charge from the inside to the outside of the cell is something called the current of injury. When a cell membrane is ruptured there is a very fast and unregulated flow of ions as they are attracted to ions of opposite charge. This current of injury alerts the body that damage has occurred, and it is this signal that brings in the body’s healing response. The current of injury also works on a larger scale. It turns out that skin cells have more sodium pumps on the side of the cell facing inside the body. As all of the cells of the skin pump together, the outer surface of the skin becomes relatively negative with respect to the inner surface. When the skin barrier is interrupted, as when there is a cut, a current of injury is created in the skin which signals the body’s repair system. The Divine manifesting as bioelectricity is responsible for bodily healing. The Cayce source tapped into this healing potential with many of the devices that came through the readings such as the radioactive device and wet cell battery. Acupuncture also utilizes this powerful healing force.

The bioelectric fields of both amphibian and chick embryos have been analyzed and found to be quite similar. According to several studies, changing the electrical fields of chick and amphibian embryos causes changes in their development. Further research has revealed that the bioelectric field guides the body’s formation. Let me explain what this means. Scientists think they know everything because they’ve figured out the genetic code. We often think of the DNA as being the blueprint for the body, but this is not exactly right. Actually, the DNA codes for the protein building blocks for every cell in the body. Certain genes in the genetic code can be “turned on” and create a liver, other genes can be “turned on” and make a brain. The genetic code within every cell of the body is identical. It is the activation of specific genes that determines a cell’s organ system and function. DNA does not turn off and on its own genes; therefore, DNA is not a blueprint for the body. So how is it that in the embryo, the brain always forms inside the skull while the liver develops inside the abdomen? How does the body know where to turn off and on the needed genes? According to the research mentioned above, it is the body’s electrical field that dictates the regulation of genes related to the appropriate development of the body. The embryo’s electrical field acts as a template for the forming body. God’s electrical hand is at work from the moment of conception.

Bioelectrical Fields and Bodily Regeneration

Research done by Dr. Robert Becker in the 1960’s and 70’s found some even more amazing effects of bioelectricity. Becker discovered that the electrical field at the stump of limb amputation was different in frogs as opposed to salamanders. He postulated that it was this difference in the electrical field that allowed the salamander to naturally re-grow a leg when it was severed while the frog could not. In fact, Becker found that if a salamander’s leg is amputated and the frog’s electrical field is mimicked at the stump, the leg does not grow back. Incredibly, if a frog’s leg is amputated the salamander’s electrical field is mimicked, the frog’s leg will grow back. In fact, this has also been proven to be the case in young laboratory rats as well. Apparently, the body’s electrical field is not only a template for the formation of the body but is also responsible for the maintenance of bodily form. This fact highlights the potential for all healing modalities that manipulate the body’s bioelectric field. It also demonstrates another role for God as a manifestation of electricity. As we can see, the Cayce readings’ assertion that God manifests as electricity in the body is quite profound. Biologically speaking, it’s the electrical energy within the mitochondria that is the fundamental life force. The flow of electricity in our nervous and muscular systems makes possible our thoughts and actions. Bioelectrical fields are a template for the formation, regeneration, and healing responses of the body. The interplay of positive and negative charges in biological systems is truly an expression of Divine power. *In order to preserve anonymity, each Cayce reading recipient has been assigned a numeric reference number instead of the name of the person. In the above reading, 1299 refers to the individual, and the number following the dash indicates that this is the individual’s first reading.

SPRING 2019

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Integrative Healing

Integrative Healing Magazine is a new quarterly, digital and print publication, serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area!

Publishing in April, August and November with our inaugural issue release in April 2019. IHM will serve as a free educational resource for the community with a focus on a whole approach to lifestyle, to promote physical, mental & spiritual health. Offering advertising, content, podcasts, events and full spectrum digital marketing with our Preferred Google Partner.